Horizon Fuel Cell is now selling an affordable, pocket-sized fuel cell. Priced at $99, Horizon's Minipak produces electricity from hydrogen at the point of use and offers on-demand electricity for unlimited run-time of personal electronics. See Gizmag
It's the first fuel cell product to compete on cost with both disposable and rechargeable batteries with just one refillable cartridge supplying as much power over its life as 1000 disposable AA alkaline batteries. Completing the fairytale sustainability pitch, it's also 100% recyclable, uses no heavy metals and there are no toxic liquids involved.
Designed for portable consumer electronics, the MiniPak offers unlimited portable power for your smartphone or personal media device with refilling costs of just pennies. While Horizon's personal fuel cell is not the first such device, it is certainly the first affordable one. The MiniPak delivers up to 2W of continuous power using a standard USB port. It is designed to extend the charge of small portable electronics. While the Minipak is for small devices, it is like a "miniature-scale power plant that produces electricity directly from hydrogen at the point of use."
The MiniPak uses a combination of Horizon’s mass-produced PEM fuel cells and a new low-cost metal hydride storage solution, which is able to store hydrogen safely as a dry, non-toxic and non-pressurized material. The fuel cartridge contains a metallic sponge that is able to absorb hydrogen and turn it into a solid hydride. It is then able to release it back to the fuel cell when needed. The PEM fuel cell combines oxygen from the air with the stored hydrogen - electricity via its USB port and trace amounts of water vapor.
Looks like the Energizer Bunny just met his match.